Why am I supportive of the federal government’s recent decision to allow the Northern Gateway Pipeline project to move ahead, subject to tough conditions? As a lifelong environmentalist, I’m often asked myself that question.

My answer begins with a single fact: there are a billion cars in the world that need oil products everyday.

We have no choice but to make those products available somehow. And a pipeline is the best way to get the fuel to the transportation fleet.

Given current industry standards, and in particular given the enhancements proposed around Northern Gateway, both by the proponent and by the regulators, my view is the pipeline is our best and safest option, and certainly better than rail transport.

But when I say we have no choice but to deliver oil-based fuels to the transportation fleet, I know I’m on solid ground.

If we stopped using oil overnight, half the global population would die as a result of a loss of food distribution, health care and emergency services among other crucial fuel-based needs like heating or cooling.

Moreover, an immediate end to oil use would result in every accessible tree being cut down for fuel.

I’m well aware many activists want to stop the world from using all petroleum products. I’ve followed the rhetoric where pejorative meanings are attached to various energy resources; oil is toxic, dangerous and destructive, activists proclaim. But many things of great social utility are toxic, dangerous and destructive if misused.

To be consistent, Greenpeace should tie up its boats and park its planes.

The more logical path — and the more humanitarian one as well — is a focus on incremental reductions in the use of fossil fuel over time, through improvements in our technology and in our practices, both of which we can implement at home.

An example of an improvement in technology is opting to buy a car that’s more fuel-efficient. I don’t mean an $85,000 Tesla plug-in electric. I mean a reasonably-priced, modern economy car like a Toyota Corolla that’s designed for fuel efficiency and has a gasoline consumption rating of around 7.8 litre per 100 kilometres — 30 miles per gallon — for combined city and highway driving.

An example of an improvement in practices is leaving that same Corolla in the driveway from time to time and instead choosing to walk when it comes to picking up milk and eggs for the family.

Many such examples exist. And between these two concepts, average people can make a real difference. You’ll enjoy the added benefit of being consistent in your choices and leading by example.

The fact is as much as 99 per cent of our global transportation fleet is oil-based and vital. Electric vehicles are expensive and therefore unattainable to most, and trucks, busses and aircraft are just too large to power with a battery.

I don’t subscribe to the notion that a modern, carefully planned, heavily regulated and properly maintained pipeline is so fraught with unmanageable peril that it must be stopped at all costs.

Further, the argument that Canadian oil is more ethical in its production is persuasive to me. Coined by commentator Ezra Levant, the ethical oil argument says that in terms of human rights, labour legislation, well-paid jobs, taking care of worker health and environmental legislation, Canada’s oil is clearly the best choice.

We treat people and the environment with respect.

The federal government’s approval of Northern Gateway was a decisive step toward Canada no longer being held hostage to the U.S. market for our valuable oil.

In this era of strong regulation and intense public scrutiny over energy development and transmission, I support that decision.

Patrick Moore is a co-founder and former leader of Greenpeace. An environmentalist for more than four decades, he is based in Vancouver.

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